Location
London (Fitzrovia) during PCSA/pre-construction period, moving to Surrey site from mid-2027 for delivery.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive remuneration package including base salary and car/travel allowance.

About the Role
At Laing O'Rourke, sustainability is central to our innovation and excellence in construction. We are seeking an experienced Sustainability Manager to join the leadership team on one of the UK's most significant scientific research facilities, targeting BREEAM Excellent. This high-profile, career-defining role involves leading sustainability across environmental performance, whole-life carbon, and social value strategies to deliver long-lasting benefits.

You will act as the primary sustainability lead during preconstruction and delivery phases, ensuring consistent communication with the client, design team, and stakeholders. You will embed sustainability into every stage of the project lifecycle, balancing environmental and social objectives with cost, programme, and design development. As part of the core project leadership team, you will define and agree sustainability targets and metrics from RIBA Stage 3 onwards, aligned with client and local authority expectations.

Responsibilities include designing the sustainability team structure, leading recruitment and capability building across environmental, carbon, and social value areas; developing a Stakeholder Management Plan; shaping and leading the sustainability strategy in collaboration with design consultants and internal teams; and working closely with engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to create the Sustainability Risk & Opportunity Register and embed sustainability requirements into procurement and supply chain partnerships.

You will manage sustainability KPIs, reporting, and auditing, build strong relationships with regulators and authorities, lead and mentor a growing team of sustainability professionals, drive community engagement, and support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and contributing to Laing O'Rourke's wider sustainability strategy.

Experience
Proven experience delivering sustainability strategies on large infrastructure or construction projects. Strong leadership in establishing and building teams, including resource planning, recruitment, and performance management. Skilled in data management, reporting, and presenting sustainability performance to senior stakeholders.

About you
Confident, resilient, and influential with the ability to operate independently during PCSA, negotiate, steer design decisions, and proactively shape the sustainability agenda. Commercially astute with the ability to integrate sustainability into decision-making alongside cost and programme. Deep knowledge of environmental sustainability including carbon, biodiversity, circular economy, waste, and water. Awareness or experience delivering social value outcomes such as apprenticeships, local employment, and community initiatives. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to engage regulators, community groups, and client leadership effectively.

Qualifications
Degree qualified or equivalent experience in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Eligible to work in the UK and subject to vetting and security screening.

Desirable
Familiarity with ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), PAS 2080 (Carbon Management in Infrastructure), NHS SHTN 02-01 (Sustainable Design & Construction), BREEAM and ecology management frameworks. Strong understanding of net zero carbon principles, life cycle assessments, and sustainability-linked procurement.